Team

Cassandra Costello is the Chief Operating Officer of San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. She leads zoo operations, ensuring animal care, guest services, conservation, education, facilities and administrative functions are aligned to the Zoo’s mission and standards of public safety.

Cassandra’s connection to the Zoo is personal—she grew up visiting the Zoo, and some of her greatest memories are watching her children grow up here as well. Her passion is to connect people to wildlife to inspire conservation of species and to ensure that the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens continues to serve the public for generations to come.

A member of the Zoo team since 2019, Paulo’s background is in hospitality, sales, and business partnerships. He studied marketing at San Jose State University and has dedicated his career to making an impact at cultural attractions along the west coast, including operational consulting for numerous zoos, aquariums and museums. His greatest memories of the Zoo stem from his childhood as a visitor and native San Franciscan, and his passion is to create that same sense of discovery that he felt for the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts.

With over 35 years of leadership experience in accredited zoos, Roger brings thoughtful insight and expertise to managing animal care and conservation. He is also involved in all aspects of exhibit design and maintenance, including strategic and master planning. Overall, his role is to guide senior animal leadership to ensure excellence in husbandry and animal health, and work to drive continuous improvements in animal care and welfare.

He believes in leading with the heart as well as being data-informed, and recognizing the power of building a strong workplace culture. He is a respected voice in global conservation as a published author and public speaker, who has worked passionately to advancing the protection of wildlife and wild places.